Match Report - Forfar Athletic

East Fife 2-1 Forfar Athletic, Saturday 17^th August 2024

William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium

East Fife welcomed Forfar Athletic in their third league outing of the season, having won 2-0 against Edinburgh City last week and suffering a 4-2 loss against Elgin City on the opening day. The Fifer’s started with an unchanged lineup from last week’s victory with Alan Trouten captaining the side once again.

In the opening exchanges, both teams were looking to spring the offside trap and use their pace in behind. Unfortunately for the home team, however, Nathan Austin was flagged offside 8 times in the first 20 minutes! Chances for both teams came around the 10-minute mark where Jess Norey’s first time volley from the edge of the box was held at the first attempt by Marc McCallum, and Arran Cocks forced a smart stop from Liam McFarlane down at his left-hand side.

The remainder of the first half was, at times, a rather difficult watch. That was until the 43rd minute after Norey was fouled 20 yards out and the resulting free kick was expertly curled into McCallum’s top right corner by Nathan Austin to give us a 1-0 lead at the interval. For further reading, please refer to the EFTV highlights of the goal to gain a true appreciation of the set piece!

From the sublime, to the silly - a straightforward cross into the box 6 minutes into the second looked to be easily dealt with by the East Fife back line. McFarlane came for the cross, Munro tried to turn the ball behind for a corner but instead rolled the ball into the bottom corner to draw the Loons level. Spooked by the calamity, the Fifers struggled to regain the initiative for the next 10 minutes as Forfar tried to capitalise and go ahead.

East Fife soon rallied and looked like the team in the ascendency. On 64 minutes, Norey was played through on goal by Reis Peggie and, in truth, should have restored the lead but managed to push his effort wide of the upright. On 75 minutes, East Fife had the ball in the back of the net but the far-side linesman adjudged Kieran Millar offside as he stabbed home a fumble from the Forfar goalie.

An outstanding long ball from Liam Newton and a deft touch from Nathan Austin bamboozled the Forfar backline on 78 minutes. Our frontman took the ball round the keeper and was tripped, having the goal at his mercy. Penalty to East Fife! You know the rest - Trouten steps up, to regain our 1 goal lead with 10 minutes to go. The rest of the game was rather nervy as we tried to hold on to our lead. After 4 minutes of injury time the referee called the game to a stop and the 3 points remained in Methil.

East Fife sit in 4th place in the league after 3 games on 6 points, 3 points behind the league leaders Peterhead who maintained their 100% record in the league this season. Next week it’s away to Forthbank Stadium to face Stirling Albion.

Reporter’s Man of the Match: Jess Norey.

The midfielder was everywhere, claiming every second ball and turning defence into attack at every opportunity, and on another occasion could and should have got himself a goal.

East Fife – McFarlane, McManus (Murdoch 45’), Peggie (Laaref 78’), Munro, Newton, Millar, Norey, Trouten, Shepherd (Healy 65’), Austin (Slattery 84’). Subs not used: Fleming

Forfar Athletic – McCallum, Klimionek (Skelly 80’), Morrison, Allan, Hutchinson, Taylor, MacLean (Reekie 75’), Whatley, Robson, Cocks (McLean 66’), Cannon. Subs not used: Franczak, Paris

Referee – Alex Shepherd

Attendance – 645

Report by Niall Anderson

Photograph by Kenny Mackay

Match Preview - Forfar Athletic

Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Forfar Athletic

Two wins in the last seven days has seen East Fife put their opening day woes behind them. Firstly, a 2-0 win over Edinburgh City saw us pick up our first points in the league last Saturday, before a comeback win over St Johnstone B midweek allowed for the Fifers to progress into the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

This week’s opposition Forfar Athletic are coming off the back of a treacherous week. Firstly, a stoppage time goal from Peterhead last weekend saw the Loons taste their first defeat in the league, before a disappointing performance against Highland League opposition Fraserburgh saw Forfar crash out of the challenge cup on Tuesday night.

William Hill League Two Table

	Team	Pld	GD	Pts
1	Elgin City	2	3	6
2	Peterhead	2	2	6
3	The Spartans	2	2	4
4	Clyde	2	1	4
5	East Fife	2	0	3
6	Stirling Albion	2	0	3
7	Stranraer	2	-1	1
8	Forfar Athletic	2	-1	1
9	Edinburgh City	2	-3	0
10	Bonnyrigg Rose	2	-3	0

Last Week’s Results

Clyde 1-0 Stranraer

East Fife 2-0 Edinburgh City

Peterhead 2-1 Forfar Athletic

Stirling Albion 0-1 Elgin City

The Spartans 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose

This Week’s Fixtures

Clyde vs Stirling Albion

East Fife vs Forfar Athletic

Edinburgh City vs Bonnyrigg Rose

Peterhead vs Stranraer

The Form

The Fifers

East Fife’s last six games have resulted in three wins, and three losses, one of which coming via penalties.

The first fixture came against Alloa Athletic, at the Indodrill Stadium. Despite a valiant fight against another higher tier opponent, we could not capitalise on chances created, and the game was forced to a penalty shootout. Munro stepped up first for Fife and had his effort saved, before all eight of the following penalties were converted, which ended up reading a 5-3 scoreline in favour of the Wasps, which gave our opponents the bonus point on the day.

In our first of three wins, the Fifers ran out 4-0 winners over Highland League runners up Brechin City. An even quarter of an hour blew wide open, after Liam Newton opened the scoring with a great header. Nathan Austin showed his striker’s instincts five minutes later, to pounce on Reis Peggie’s cross that was headed goalbound. Just before the break, Scott Shepherd capitalised on some nervy goalkeeping, to round the goalie and slot home for the Fifers. Within 60 seconds of the start of the second half, Austin grabbed his brace, following some fantastic work on the left-hand side from Healy and Newton. The performance matched the result and it arguable could’ve been more on the day.

The second was in the League Cup, against premiership opposition. St Johnstone showed the levels between the two sides, as they came out 5-1 winners against us at McDiarmid Park. The scoreline was perhaps an untrue reflection on the game, as East Fife, who trailed 3-0 at half time, pulled a goal back, and squandered a great chance to get ourselves well and truly back in the tie. Alas, it was not to be, and two late goals from the Saints inflated the scoreline.

We then proceeded to make a start on the league proceedings, though it was not in the desired fashion, as we lost 4-2 to Elgin at Borough Briggs. A flurry within five minutes either side of the half time whistle saw East Fife trail 3-0 after 5 minutes. A spirited fightback got the Methil Milan back to 3-2, before a late goal from Ryan Sargent killed the game.

Last Saturday, East Fife ran out comfortable winners over Edinburgh City. A tight first half saw the sides goalless at the break, though a flurry in the second saw Liam Newton and Alan Trouten find the net to secure the win.

Finally, East Fife recovered from a poor start in the challenge cup against St Johnstone’s B. A calamitous opening ten minutes saw St Johnstone lead through Mackenzie Kirk, and they perhaps should have had more as East Fife struggled to get a hold on the game. Alas, they kicked into gear, and overturned the deficit at the start of the second half, with the goals coming from Scott Shepherd and Nathan Austin- who found the net after 48 minutes, during his 150th appearance for the Fifers.

Our Opposition

Forfar’s last 6 games have seen two wins, a draw and three losses, with their last win coming on the 20th of July at home to Cove Rangers via a penalty shootout.

Their first loss came away to The Spartans in the last game of the league cup group stage. A late winner from Blair Henderson grabbed The Spartans all three points in the 1-0 win. The goal was a great contributor towards the Edinburgh side’s progression in the competition.

After that, the Loons’ next loss came at the hands of Peterhead. Rory McAllister’s opener was cancelled out by ‘Loon’ Jackson Mylchreest, before Seb Ross’ 92nd minute winner ensured that all three points would stay in the highlands.

Forfar were on the road again just days later, where they fell subject to a 2-1 loss to Fraserburgh in the SPFL Trust Trophy. Scott Reekie’s opener was answered by Scott Barbour, before a late goal from Connor Wood knocked the league two side out of the competition.

Their draw was a goalless affair with Clyde on the opening game of the league season.

Their first win came away to championship outfit, as they beat Dunfermline Athletic 2-0 at East End. Russell McLean and Mark Whatley were both on the scoresheet as the Loons cruised to victory.

Forfar Athletic’s most recent win came against Cove Rangers, as they squeezed by the championship team on penalties. Blair Malcolm’s opener was matched by Connor Scully, which sent the team to penalties. A strong performance from Marc McCallum ensured that the Loons grabbed the bonus point.

Previous Encounter

Forfar Athletic 2-1 East Fife, 20th April 2024- Station Park

The last time the two sides played, Forfar ran out 2-1 victors on their own patch. A decent start from the Fifers saw Liam Newton find the net, which sent the Fifers into the interval one goal to the good.

However, Forfar came out for the second half with fire in their bellies, and a brace from talisman Russell McLean saw the Loons complete the turnaround and come away with all three points.

Squad News

Speaking yesterday, Assistant Manager Ian Campbell confirmed that they have a full squad available for today’s match and that those who played on Tuesday night have given the management team “a lot to think about in terms of selection” ahead of today’s game.

Match Tickets

Season Tickets are valid for our league campaign, with prices below:

Adults- £18

Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £14

Under 16s- £5

Parent and 1 child- £21

Parent and 2 children- £24

Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.

Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.

Supporters still to collect their season ticket cards can do from reception until 2pm today or from the club shop after 2pm until kick off.

Live Stream

For our International Fans, Live Streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass.

As today’s game takes place outside of blocked hours, the match is also available on PPV for viewers within the UK and Ireland.

Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the match.

Forfar Athletic will wear also be in their traditional colour of sky blue shirts, white shorts are sky blue socks. The Loons keeper will be in all pink.

Officials

The referee today is Alex Shepherd and running the lines are David Dunne and Cameron Telfer.

The Extra Bits

The Bayview issue 5 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. Today’s issue includes an interview with Liam McFarlane. Those unable to attend today’s match can purchase their programme online for home delivery.

The Stadium Bar will be open from 12.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the ground today from 2pm. Both cash and card are accepted.

Mon the Fife!

Match Report - St. Johnstone B

East Fife 2-1 St. Johnstone B, Tuesday 13^th August 2024

MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, SPFL Trust Trophy R2

East Fife successfully navigated the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy, beating St Johnstone B 2-1 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Tuesday night. A much-changed line-up saw East Fife struggle to warm into the game before the Fifers kicked into gear.

It would be the Saints who struck first however, after some poor communication between defender and goalkeeper in the first ten minutes saw a ball flicked into the path of Makenzie Kirk. The young forward made no mistake about his acrobatic strike and launched it past Fleming.

After the goal, East Fife progressively grew into the game and despite being the better team for the remainder of the half, we struggled to find an opening, and the half time score read 1-0 to the visitors.

Fleming made up for his first half woes at the start of the second period as he bagged an assist from Nathan Austin’s equaliser. His drop kick sailed right over the entire St Johnstone squad, landing in the path of “Fash”, who outjumped Klimionek to dink the Saints goalkeeper Kyle Thomson.

The Black and Gold completed the turnaround just 90 seconds later when Scott Shepherd capped off a top-quality piece of build-up. Laaref and Shepherd played a one-two, before the ball was lashed to Austin who flicked it round the corner for Shepherd to run onto. East Fife’s number 9 then made no mistake with his finish.

Credit to St Johnstone who fought to the end, giving the Fifers some scares, after we failed to kill the game off. Ultimately, Taylor Steven’s squandered opportunity in the 91st minute proved costly, and it was the Methil Milan who advanced into the third round.

Reporter’s Man of the Match: Scott Shepherd.

Hard to argue against East Fife’s number nine last night, he never stopped running from the first to the last whistle. A great individual performance capped off by a phenomenal team goal.

East Fife – Fleming, Docherty (Easton 56’), Murdoch, Munro, Peggie (Newton 63’), Healy, McManus (Millar 64’), Slattery (Norey 64’), Laaref, Shepherd, Austin (Trouten 72’). Subs not used: McFarlane.

St. Johnstone B – Hepburn (Thomson 45’), Klimionek, Essel, Parker, Franczak, McCrystal, Clark (Dair 64’), Bright, Steven, Kirk, Cocks. Subs not used: Brookfield, Binnie, Ellison, Shiels.

Referee – Ryan Lee

Attendance - 295

 

Ticket Info - Forfar Athletic

Tickets for our William Hill League 2 match against Forfar Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium on Saturday 17^th August are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Admission Prices

Adults - £18

Concessions* - £14

Under 16s* - £5

Parent & Child - £21

Parent & 2 Children - £24

*Proof of age may be requested

Season tickets are valid for this match. Supporters who have still to collect their season ticket card can do so during normal office hours or from the club shop on matchday.

All member of East Fife Community Football Club & East Fife Girls & Womens’ Football Club who are under 16 go free with a paying adult or as part of an organised group for all William Hill League 2 matches at Bayview this season.

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview and supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online. Online sales are available right up until kick off. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01333 426323 or directly from the club office for those unable to purchase online.

Please note, parent and child tickets must be purchased directly from the club office.

A live stream is available to viewers worldwide this weekend with a PPV pass. Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can also watch via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.

Match Preview - St. Johnstone B

Oli Anderson previews tonight’s match against St. Johnstone B.

Following on from Saturday’s much improved result against Edinburgh City, we turn our heads to cup action, as we prepare to face St Johnstone B in the second round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The game tonight has a 19:45 kick off.

Our opponents: St Johnstone B

Ones to watch

Liam Parker

Following a successful loan spell last season with Edinburgh City, ex-Fifer Parker has returned to St Johnstone where he features still for the reserve side. A current stalwart in the young Saints’ backline, Parker played all ninety minutes of the first-round tie against Brechin City, though he did pick up a booking in the 80th minute.

Taylor Steven

Another former Fifer, Taylor Steven, features heavily for the young Saints. He is coming off the back of a loan spell in League One, with Alloa Athletic, where he contributed 28 goals in 32 games, a great improvement on his season at Bayview where he struggled for minutes, and form as a result. Although originally a number nine, Steven predominantly plays on the left wing, and it was from there that he bagged another assist for St Johnstone when they overcame Brechin 2-1 at McDiarmid Park in the first round.

Mackenzie Kirk

Kirk is a new signing for St Johnstone, recently signing from Hearts B, where he has been honing his skills in the lowland league. Kirk found the back of the net 45 times in 49 games for the Jam Tarts in the fifth tier, which when you add his nine assists to it, makes a very impressive goal return for the youngster. Kirk has been featuring for the St Johnstone first team in their maiden games in the league this season, so it is unclear as to whether or not he will be in the squad tonight, though if he is, he will be one to keep an eye on.

Previous encounter

23/08/2022- Scottish Challenge Cup- Round 2

East Fife 4-0 St Johnstone B

East Fife coasted to a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone B the last time the two sides met.

They showed their experience in the opening exchanges, winning a penalty on the quarter of an hour mark. Alan Trouten made no mistake with the set play and tucked away for the first. Scott Mercer made it 2-0 early in the second half, following a stramash in the box after a corner kick. Mikey Cunningham then made it three with ten minutes still to go, before youngster Sam Martin made it 4-0 in the dying embers. St Johnstone B played well, though East Fife controlled the game, and nullified the threat of the pacy Young Saints attack.

Squad News

The Campbells have a full squad at their disposal once again, allowing us to hopefully start the season with a bang.

Match Tickets

Season Tickets are not valid for cup matches and admission prices have been agreed as follows:

Adults- £10

Under 16s- £5

There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.

Live Stream

For our International Fans, live Streaming for tonight’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Tonight’s commentator will be Oliver Anderson.

Club Colours

The Fifers will don the new, MPH Group sponsored home kit. They will wear the famous black and gold striped shirt, with black shorts and socks. The Fife goalkeeper will wear yellow for the tie.

St Johnstone will be in their traditional colours of a dark, and lighter blue striped shirt, with white shorts and blue socks. The Saints keeper will be in all green.

Officials

The referee today will be Ryan Lee, with Stuart Stevenson and Brent Falconer running the lines.

The Extra Bits

The Stadium Bar will be open from 6.15pm this afternoon, we welcome you to join us for a few beverages pre-kick off!

The club shop will be open from 6.30pm tonight.

Pie stalls will be open at both ends of the stadium from 6.45pm, both cash and card are accepted.

There is no match programme on sale for tonight’s match, but half-time draw tickets are available.

Mon the Fife!